For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 752 students in Benton County, IA.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Benton County, IA are Vinton-shellsburg Middle School, Benton Community Middle School and Belle Plaine Jr/sr High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Benton County, IA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 73% (versus the Iowa public middle school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 80% (versus the 71% statewide average). Middle schools in Benton County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Iowa public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public middle school average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Benton County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Vinton-shellsburg Middle School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
212 W. 15th St.
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 436-4728
Gr: 6-8 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Benton Community Middle School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
600 1st St
Van Horne, IA 52346
(319) 228-8701
Van Horne, IA 52346
(319) 228-8701
Gr: 7-8 | 235 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
Belle Plaine Jr/sr High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
610 13th Ave South
Belle Plaine, IA 52208
(319) 444-3720
Belle Plaine, IA 52208
(319) 444-3720
Gr: 7-12 | 205 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Benton County, IA?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Benton County, IA include Vinton-shellsburg Middle School, Benton Community Middle School and Belle Plaine Jr/sr High School.
How many public middle schools are located in Benton County?
3 public middle schools are located in Benton County.
What is the racial composition of students in Benton County?
Benton County public middle schools minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public middle schools average of 27% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.